Are You Keeping Your Fish Happily Alive?

Healthy fish have strong immune systems which keep them from getting sick. As stress is one major factor that weakens fishes’ immunity and makes them susceptible to disease, it’s best to take all the necessary steps to keep them happy and well.

1. Provide The Right Environment. Ensure that the water conditions are suited to the fish. Hardy fish will live happily in almost any water conditions, but more sensitive species may become ill or die if the conditions are wrong.

It is therefore unwise to mix fish species adapted to different types of living environments.

For example, those that have evolved to swim happily in still waters may experience considerable discomfort if subjected to life in constantly turbulent water. On the other hand, fish adapted to high concentrations of oxygen require good aeration in captivity or they may perish.

Guppies prefer water that is rather hard, so do not mix tetras or other soft water species with them. If you add salt to your tank, choose only fish that will tolerate this well.

Livebearers such as mollies mix well with guppies, but not aggressive fish such as betas.

2. Aquarium Décor. The psychological benefits of tank décor should not be overlooked. When choosing aquarium decorations, consider the characteristic of your fish, rather than simply what you think looks nice.

Décor can provide hiding places for fish that run the risk of predation, or are sensitive in nature.

Some species may be sensitive to light. If your tank is located in a bright place, provide some shade for it, or reduce the amount of lighting used.

3. Avoid Shocking or Stressing Your Fish. When adding water to the tank, siphon it into the aquarium from a bucket standing on the hood, or pour it over your hand or a plate, to avoid disturbing the décor and fish.

Handle your fish gently, when catching a fish, try raising the net to the surface from below the fish. Do not chase it around as this may frighten the fish. When the fish is caught, gently coax it into the water instead of throwing it out of the net.

Avoid plunging the fish into sudden light or darkness. Allow a five-minute dawn/dusk period between switching the room or tank light on or off.

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